{"id":13629,"date":"2026-10-08T16:03:04","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T14:03:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stirnweiss-brenner.de\/guide\/corruption-under-criminal-law-when-is-it-a-criminal-offense\/"},"modified":"2026-10-08T20:11:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T18:11:03","slug":"corruption-under-criminal-law-when-is-it-a-criminal-offense","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stirnweiss-brenner.de\/en\/guide\/corruption-under-criminal-law-when-is-it-a-criminal-offense\/","title":{"rendered":"Corruption under criminal law: When is it a criminal offense?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"13629\" class=\"elementor elementor-13629 elementor-13626\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-268a362 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"268a362\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bebe5ca elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bebe5ca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>An allegation of corruption is regularly a significant burden for the accused. In addition to criminal-law risks, there may also be professional and financial consequences. Anyone who knows the legal requirements can assess risks more accurately and respond in a targeted way.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05bcfa7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"05bcfa7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>At our law firm in Stuttgart and Konstanz, we see that there is considerable uncertainty, especially when it comes to corruption offences under Section 299 of the German Criminal Code (StGB). The following article explains the legal basics precisely and in an easy-to-understand way. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a37e1fa e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a37e1fa\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ceaee01 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ceaee01\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>An allegation of corruption requires early and precise legal classification. Particularly in white-collar criminal law, even individual communications or contract structures can be decisive. <\/p><p>In the event of searches, summonses, or other urgent situations, you can reach our <strong>24h criminal law emergency hotline<\/strong> at <a style=\"color: #4a4a4a;\" title=\"24h Criminal Law Emergency Hotline +49 151 61429000\" href=\"mailto:+4915161429000\"><u>+49 151 61429000<\/u><\/a>. Alternatively, you can arrange a <a style=\"color: #4a4a4a;\" title=\"Non-binding initial assessment\" href=\"https:\/\/stirnweiss-brenner.de\/en\/contact\/\"><u>non-binding initial consultation<\/u><\/a> to have your situation assessed from a legal perspective. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1968568 galery__number e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1968568\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4905376 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4905376\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6925421 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6925421\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Let's talk!<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-522e0c9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"522e0c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Call us anytime at:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ee74ec5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ee74ec5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"tel:+497118498770\" title=\"+49 (0) 711 - 8498770\">+49 (0) 711 - 8498770<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a69d62 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2a69d62\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Or leave us your name and phone number, and our experts will call you back.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-68bf5ae e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"68bf5ae\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-14efc43 premium-cf7-button-fwidth-yes elementor-widget elementor-widget-premium-contact-form\" data-id=\"14efc43\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"premium-contact-form.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-cf7-container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;fields_glass&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;submit_glass&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpcf7 no-js\" id=\"wpcf7-f11466-o1\" lang=\"en-US\" dir=\"ltr\" data-wpcf7-id=\"11466\">\n<div class=\"screen-reader-response\"><p role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-atomic=\"true\"><\/p> <ul><\/ul><\/div>\n<form action=\"\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13629#wpcf7-f11466-o1\" method=\"post\" class=\"wpcf7-form init\" aria-label=\"Contact form\" novalidate=\"novalidate\" data-status=\"init\">\n<fieldset class=\"hidden-fields-container\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7\" value=\"11466\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_version\" value=\"6.2.2\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_locale\" value=\"en_US\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_unit_tag\" value=\"wpcf7-f11466-o1\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_container_post\" value=\"0\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_posted_data_hash\" value=\"\" \/>\n<\/fieldset>\n<p><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"Name\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-required\" autocomplete=\"name\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"Full Name\" value=\"\" type=\"text\" name=\"Name\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"Telefonnummer\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-tel wpcf7-validates-as-required wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-tel\" autocomplete=\"tel\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"Callback Number\" value=\"\" type=\"tel\" name=\"Telefonnummer\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<span id=\"wpcf7-6ad2c5dea0855-wrapper\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap cf7apps-honeypot-wrap Protection-321-wrap\" style=\"position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;padding:0;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);white-space:nowrap;border:0;\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"Protection-321-time-start\" value=\"1792198110\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"Protection-321-time-check\" value=\"4\"><input id=\"wpcf7-6ad2c5dea0855-field\"  class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text\" type=\"text\" name=\"Protection-321\" value=\"\" autocomplete=\"new-password\" tabindex=\"1000\" data-cf7apps-tabindex=\"1000\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-submit has-spinner\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Request Callback\" \/>\n<\/p><div class=\"wpcf7-response-output\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-43c0223 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"43c0223\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a86eb1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7a86eb1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Key points at a glance <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-12ff63a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"12ff63a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li><strong>Section 299 StGB<\/strong> covers bribery and taking bribes in commercial practice under criminal law.<\/li><li>Even <strong>granting advantages<\/strong> without any actual consideration in return can be a criminal offence.<\/li><li>In addition to Section 299 StGB, other offences such as <strong>breach of trust<\/strong> or <strong>fraud<\/strong> may also be relevant.<\/li><li>Early defence is an important prerequisite for achieving a <strong>discontinuation of proceedings<\/strong> or <strong>a reduced sentence<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-258b481 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"258b481\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">When does corruption under criminal law actually exist? <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-49552d3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"49552d3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Corruption<\/strong> in the criminal-law sense exists when <strong>unlawful advantages<\/strong> are granted or accepted in exchange for a breach of duty. What matters is always a so-called <strong>unlawful agreement<\/strong>. <\/p><p><strong>This means:<\/strong> An advantage is granted specifically so that the recipient does not make a decision solely on objective criteria.<\/p><p><b>Typical scenarios are:<\/b><\/p><ul style=\"margin-bottom: 25px;\"><li>Preferential treatment of a company in awarding contracts<\/li><li>Influencing purchasing decisions<\/li><li>Commissions without any plausible consideration in return<\/li><li>\u201cKickback\u201d payments<\/li><\/ul><p>Many accused persons do not realise, or realise too late, that even <strong>informal arrangements<\/strong> can be relevant under criminal law.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-12bb7cf elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"12bb7cf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What exactly does Section 299 StGB regulate? <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-745a260 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"745a260\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a title=\"Section 299 StGB\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/stgb\/__299.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 299 StGB<\/a> covers <strong>taking bribes and bribery<\/strong> in commercial practice. The provision is aimed in particular at employees of companies. <\/p><p><b>The provision distinguishes between two sides:<\/b><\/p><table><thead><tr><th>Offence elements<\/th><th>Description<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Taking bribes<\/td><td>An employee demands an advantage or accepts it.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bribery<\/td><td>A third party offers or grants this advantage.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p>Both variants require that the advantage is intended as <strong>consideration<\/strong> for unfair preferential treatment.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ebeef9a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ebeef9a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What requirements must be met for bribery?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a324b4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7a324b4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Criminal liability under Section 299 StGB requires several conditions. These must all be met cumulatively. First of all, it is decisive that the accused person:  <\/p><ul style=\"margin-bottom: 25px;\"><li>is an <strong>employee<\/strong> or <strong>agent of a company<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>demands, accepts a promise of, or accepts an advantage<\/strong><\/li><li>in return, promises or carries out <strong>unfair preferential treatment in competition<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><p>Important: An advantage can be <strong>any benefit<\/strong> to which there is no legal entitlement. This includes, for example: <\/p><ul style=\"margin-bottom: 25px;\"><li>Cash payments<\/li><li>Gifts or invitations<\/li><li>Commissions<\/li><li>other financial benefits<\/li><\/ul><p>Our experience shows that <strong>concealed payments<\/strong> or <strong>consultancy agreements<\/strong> in particular are often the subject of investigations.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6600d18 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6600d18\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Taking bribes: When is an advantage unlawful under criminal law? <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-91413ae elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"91413ae\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Not every advantage is automatically a criminal offense. What matters is whether the advantage is linked to a <strong>specific consideration in return<\/strong>. <\/p><p><b>An advantage is generally unlawful if:<\/b><\/p><ul style=\"margin-bottom: 25px;\"><li>it is intended to specifically influence a business decision<\/li><li>there is no transparent or market-standard consideration<\/li><li>internal compliance rules are violated<\/li><\/ul><p><b>However, the following may be permissible:<\/b><\/p><ul style=\"margin-bottom: 25px;\"><li>customary promotional gifts of low value<\/li><li>industry-standard invitations<\/li><li>transparent commissions with a clear contractual basis<\/li><\/ul><p>In our <a title=\"criminal law firm in Stuttgart and Konstanz\" href=\"\/\">criminal law firm in Stuttgart and Konstanz<\/a>, we observe that the boundary is often not clearly documented. This is precisely where criminal risks arise. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b100696 galery__number e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b100696\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e36c185 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e36c185\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bcd439e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bcd439e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Let's talk!<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b637fcb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b637fcb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Call us anytime at:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-07bba8a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"07bba8a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"tel:+497118498770\" title=\"+49 (0) 711 - 8498770\">+49 (0) 711 - 8498770<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f1e2b15 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f1e2b15\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Or leave us your name and phone number, and our experts will call you back.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-31b59f7 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"31b59f7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d4c70b6 premium-cf7-button-fwidth-yes elementor-widget elementor-widget-premium-contact-form\" data-id=\"d4c70b6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"premium-contact-form.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-cf7-container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;fields_glass&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;submit_glass&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpcf7 no-js\" id=\"wpcf7-f11466-o2\" lang=\"en-US\" dir=\"ltr\" data-wpcf7-id=\"11466\">\n<div class=\"screen-reader-response\"><p role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-atomic=\"true\"><\/p> <ul><\/ul><\/div>\n<form action=\"\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13629#wpcf7-f11466-o2\" method=\"post\" class=\"wpcf7-form init\" aria-label=\"Contact form\" novalidate=\"novalidate\" data-status=\"init\">\n<fieldset class=\"hidden-fields-container\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7\" value=\"11466\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_version\" value=\"6.2.2\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_locale\" value=\"en_US\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_unit_tag\" value=\"wpcf7-f11466-o2\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_container_post\" value=\"0\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_posted_data_hash\" value=\"\" \/>\n<\/fieldset>\n<p><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"Name\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-required\" autocomplete=\"name\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"Full Name\" value=\"\" type=\"text\" name=\"Name\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"Telefonnummer\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-tel wpcf7-validates-as-required wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-tel\" autocomplete=\"tel\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"Callback Number\" value=\"\" type=\"tel\" name=\"Telefonnummer\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<span id=\"wpcf7-6ad2c5dea77ec-wrapper\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap cf7apps-honeypot-wrap Protection-321-wrap\" style=\"position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;padding:0;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);white-space:nowrap;border:0;\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"Protection-321-time-start\" value=\"1792198110\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"Protection-321-time-check\" value=\"4\"><input id=\"wpcf7-6ad2c5dea77ec-field\"  class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text\" type=\"text\" name=\"Protection-321\" value=\"\" autocomplete=\"new-password\" tabindex=\"1000\" data-cf7apps-tabindex=\"1000\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-submit has-spinner\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Request Callback\" \/>\n<\/p><div class=\"wpcf7-response-output\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-140bc27 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"140bc27\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e0c6e8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4e0c6e8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What is the threatened penalty for corruption under \u00a7 299 StGB?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7049989 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7049989\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The threatened penalty depends on the individual case and can vary considerably. Generally, a prison sentence of up to 3 years or a fine is imposed; in particularly serious cases, the penalty can be increased. <\/p><p><b>The specific penalty depends, among other things, on:<\/b><\/p><ul style=\"margin-bottom: 25px;\"><li>amount of the advantage<\/li><li>duration and systematic nature of the act<\/li><li>role of the accused in the company<\/li><li>economic damage<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Important:<\/strong> A prison sentence can be suspended on <strong>probation<\/strong>, especially for first-time offenders and minor culpability.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ff6531a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ff6531a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What other offenses are relevant in cases of corruption? <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4273fd2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4273fd2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Corruption<\/strong> is rarely limited to \u00a7 299 StGB. Prosecutors and police often investigate other offenses. Typical accompanying offenses include:  <\/p><ul style=\"margin-bottom: 25px;\"><li><strong>Breach of trust<\/strong> (<a title=\"\u00a7 266 StGB\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/stgb\/__266.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 266 StGB<\/a>)<\/li><li><strong>Fraud<\/strong> (<a title=\"Section 263 German Criminal Code\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/stgb\/__263.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 263 StGB<\/a>)<\/li><li><strong>Bribery in public service<\/strong> (<a title=\"\u00a7 332 StGB\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/stgb\/__332.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 332 StGB<\/a>)<\/li><li><a title=\"Tax evasion\" href=\"https:\/\/stirnweiss-brenner.de\/en\/guide\/tax-evasion-what-penalty-is-threatened\/\">Tax evasion<\/a> (<a title=\"Section 370 AO\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/ao_1977\/__370.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 370 AO<\/a>)<\/li><\/ul><p>Especially in complex economic cases, <strong>several parallel accusations<\/strong> often arise. Even if a criminal conviction for corruption seems unlikely, other offenses should also be examined before the accused takes investigations lightly. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e9ca41d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e9ca41d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How does an investigation proceed in cases of corruption allegations? <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3f47585 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3f47585\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>An investigation begins with an <strong>initial suspicion<\/strong>.<\/p><p><b>Typical triggers are:<\/b><\/p><ul style=\"margin-bottom: 25px;\"><li>internal compliance investigations<\/li><li>tips from whistleblowers<\/li><li>audits by authorities<\/li><li>competitor complaints<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Police<\/strong> and <strong>prosecutors<\/strong> can, in such cases, search business premises, seize documents, scrutinize accounts, or speak with employees or the accused themselves.<\/p><p>In our law firm in Stuttgart and Konstanz, we observe that searches often represent the first contact with the proceedings.<\/p><p>It is therefore important to contact a <a title=\"Criminal Defence Lawyer\" href=\"\/\">criminal defense lawyer<\/a> early or to have the contact details of a competent <strong>point of contact<\/strong> ready for emergencies.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6846acd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6846acd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Summons: How should the accused behave in cases of corruption allegations? <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f64783 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2f64783\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBehavior during the investigation is crucial for its further course. Ill-considered statements can hardly be corrected. Therefore, we have written a detailed article on the topic of <a title=\"Summons as a suspect\" href=\"https:\/\/stirnweiss-brenner.de\/en\/guide\/summons-as-a-suspect-how-should-you-respond\/\">summons as an accused person<\/a>.  \n\nFirst, it is important to understand which steps are sensible. The following overview shows key <strong>recommendations for action<\/strong>. \n\n<b>The accused should:<\/b>\n<ul style=\"margin-bottom: 25px;\">\n \t<li>remain silent and make no statements about the matter<\/li>\n \t<li>not voluntarily hand over documents<\/li>\n \t<li>contact a criminal defense lawyer early<\/li>\n \t<li>conduct internal communication cautiously<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nEspecially <strong>silence<\/strong> is of central importance. Even innocent people can get entangled in contradictions, make ill-considered statements, and thus incriminate themselves if they try to prove their innocence. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-81bd750 galery__number e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"81bd750\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d32a914 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d32a914\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d56c96b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d56c96b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Let's talk!<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9ffd578 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9ffd578\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Call us anytime at:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-abb2d26 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"abb2d26\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"tel:+497118498770\" title=\"+49 (0) 711 - 8498770\">+49 (0) 711 - 8498770<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-46e5a01 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"46e5a01\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Or leave us your name and phone number, and our experts will call you back.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0b8f1fa e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0b8f1fa\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d7a6050 premium-cf7-button-fwidth-yes elementor-widget elementor-widget-premium-contact-form\" data-id=\"d7a6050\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"premium-contact-form.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-cf7-container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;fields_glass&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;submit_glass&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpcf7 no-js\" id=\"wpcf7-f11466-o3\" lang=\"en-US\" dir=\"ltr\" data-wpcf7-id=\"11466\">\n<div class=\"screen-reader-response\"><p role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-atomic=\"true\"><\/p> <ul><\/ul><\/div>\n<form action=\"\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13629#wpcf7-f11466-o3\" method=\"post\" class=\"wpcf7-form init\" aria-label=\"Contact form\" novalidate=\"novalidate\" data-status=\"init\">\n<fieldset class=\"hidden-fields-container\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7\" value=\"11466\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_version\" value=\"6.2.2\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_locale\" value=\"en_US\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_unit_tag\" value=\"wpcf7-f11466-o3\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_container_post\" value=\"0\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_posted_data_hash\" value=\"\" \/>\n<\/fieldset>\n<p><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"Name\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-required\" autocomplete=\"name\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"Full Name\" value=\"\" type=\"text\" name=\"Name\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"Telefonnummer\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-tel wpcf7-validates-as-required wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-tel\" autocomplete=\"tel\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"Callback Number\" value=\"\" type=\"tel\" name=\"Telefonnummer\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<span id=\"wpcf7-6ad2c5deade1c-wrapper\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap cf7apps-honeypot-wrap Protection-321-wrap\" style=\"position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;padding:0;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);white-space:nowrap;border:0;\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"Protection-321-time-start\" value=\"1792198110\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"Protection-321-time-check\" value=\"4\"><input id=\"wpcf7-6ad2c5deade1c-field\"  class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text\" type=\"text\" name=\"Protection-321\" value=\"\" autocomplete=\"new-password\" tabindex=\"1000\" data-cf7apps-tabindex=\"1000\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-submit has-spinner\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Request Callback\" \/>\n<\/p><div class=\"wpcf7-response-output\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ba6117 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1ba6117\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-261232b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"261232b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Corruption under criminal law: Criminal defence against an allegation under Section 299 StGB<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4fcb528 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4fcb528\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The defence depends heavily on the individual case. However, there are often several possible angles. <\/p><p>First, it is examined whether there is a punishable unlawful agreement at all. Then the focus is on the evidence. <\/p><p><b>Typical defence approaches include:<\/b><\/p><ul style=\"margin-bottom: 25px;\"><li>No link between the advantage and the decision<\/li><li>The advantage was customary in the market or contractually authorised<\/li><li>No unfair preferential treatment<\/li><li>Lack of intent<\/li><li>Evidentiary problems with agreements<\/li><\/ul><p>At our law firm in Stuttgart and Konstanz, we see that the evidence of the unlawful agreement in particular is often open to challenge. However, it always depends on the individual case which defence strategy makes sense. We would be happy to discuss your options in a <a title=\"personal meeting\" href=\"https:\/\/stirnweiss-brenner.de\/en\/contact\/\">personal meeting<\/a>.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ca15864 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ca15864\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">When can proceedings for corruption be discontinued?  <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bfebc85 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bfebc85\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Not every proceeding ends with a conviction. Possibilities for discontinuation already exist during the investigation proceedings. <\/p><p><b>Typical options include:<\/b><\/p><ul style=\"margin-bottom: 25px;\"><li>Discontinuation due to lack of suspicion of an offense<\/li><li>Discontinuation due to minor guilt<\/li><li>Discontinuation against conditions<\/li><\/ul><p>Our experience shows that an <strong>early statement<\/strong> through the defense lawyer can increase the chances of a discontinuation. However, accused persons should never make statements or communicate without legal counsel and without prior consultation. This can significantly worsen the defense possibilities.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cf64abd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cf64abd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">When should accused persons engage a criminal defense lawyer?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3de2da3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3de2da3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A criminal defense lawyer should be engaged as early as possible. Especially in corruption offenses, crucial decisions are made early on. <\/p>\n<p><b>A defence lawyer can:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<li>Request file inspection<\/li>\n<li>Analyze the evidence<\/li>\n<li>Take over communication with the public prosecutor&#8217;s office and police<\/li>\n<li>Develop an individual defense strategy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Corruption proceedings often develop considerable momentum and should not be underestimated. Early defense can significantly help to limit risks and manage the proceedings. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7dc6312 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7dc6312\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c81bc59 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c81bc59\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you are under investigation or have received a <a title=\"Summons as a suspect\" href=\"https:\/\/stirnweiss-brenner.de\/en\/guide\/summons-as-a-suspect-how-should-you-respond\/\">summons as an accused person<\/a>, you can reach our <strong>24h criminal law emergency hotline<\/strong> at <a style=\"color: #4a4a4a;\" title=\"24h Criminal Law Emergency Hotline +49 151 61429000\" href=\"mailto:+4915161429000\"><u>+49 151 61429000<\/u><\/a>. Alternatively, you have the option of a <a style=\"color: #4a4a4a;\" title=\"Non-binding initial assessment\" href=\"https:\/\/stirnweiss-brenner.de\/en\/contact\/\"><u>non-binding initial consultation<\/u><\/a> to have your situation legally assessed. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e5a3d8 galery__number e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8e5a3d8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-56bd300 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"56bd300\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8b543f2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8b543f2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Let's talk!<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-37f846e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"37f846e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Call us anytime at:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3cf9f05 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3cf9f05\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"tel:+497118498770\" title=\"+49 (0) 711 - 8498770\">+49 (0) 711 - 8498770<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-996ba16 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"996ba16\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Or leave us your name and phone number, and our experts will call you back.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e595b0f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e595b0f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-81ae92d premium-cf7-button-fwidth-yes elementor-widget elementor-widget-premium-contact-form\" data-id=\"81ae92d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"premium-contact-form.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-cf7-container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;fields_glass&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;submit_glass&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpcf7 no-js\" id=\"wpcf7-f11466-o4\" lang=\"en-US\" dir=\"ltr\" data-wpcf7-id=\"11466\">\n<div class=\"screen-reader-response\"><p role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-atomic=\"true\"><\/p> <ul><\/ul><\/div>\n<form action=\"\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13629#wpcf7-f11466-o4\" method=\"post\" class=\"wpcf7-form init\" aria-label=\"Contact form\" novalidate=\"novalidate\" data-status=\"init\">\n<fieldset class=\"hidden-fields-container\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7\" value=\"11466\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_version\" value=\"6.2.2\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_locale\" value=\"en_US\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_unit_tag\" value=\"wpcf7-f11466-o4\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_container_post\" value=\"0\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_posted_data_hash\" value=\"\" \/>\n<\/fieldset>\n<p><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"Name\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-required\" autocomplete=\"name\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"Full Name\" value=\"\" type=\"text\" name=\"Name\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"Telefonnummer\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-tel wpcf7-validates-as-required wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-tel\" autocomplete=\"tel\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"Callback Number\" value=\"\" type=\"tel\" name=\"Telefonnummer\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<span id=\"wpcf7-6ad2c5deb44b3-wrapper\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap cf7apps-honeypot-wrap Protection-321-wrap\" style=\"position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;padding:0;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);white-space:nowrap;border:0;\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"Protection-321-time-start\" value=\"1792198110\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"Protection-321-time-check\" value=\"4\"><input id=\"wpcf7-6ad2c5deb44b3-field\"  class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text\" type=\"text\" name=\"Protection-321\" value=\"\" autocomplete=\"new-password\" tabindex=\"1000\" data-cf7apps-tabindex=\"1000\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-submit has-spinner\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Request Callback\" \/>\n<\/p><div class=\"wpcf7-response-output\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a6129d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7a6129d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-746fafa elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"746fafa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">FAQ on corruption in criminal law <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e9be38a elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"e9be38a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;expanded&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2450\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" open>\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2450\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> When do you become criminally liable under Section 299 of the German Criminal Code (StGB)? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2450\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4759652 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4759652\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a72be71 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a72be71\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Criminal liability may be considered if, in the course of business, a suspect accepts or grants an advantage and this leads to an unfair preferential treatment in return. What matters is the so-called unlawful agreement between those involved. Without this link, there is no criminal liability in many cases.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2451\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2451\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Are gifts in business automatically a criminal offence? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2451\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f699552 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f699552\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c664178 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c664178\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>No, not every gift is a criminal offence. What matters is whether the gift is linked to a specific consideration in return. Usual and transparent benefits may be permissible, while concealed advantages intended to influence a decision may be relevant under criminal law.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2452\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2452\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Can corruption proceedings end without a court hearing? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2452\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3485c07 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3485c07\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-347bfb7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"347bfb7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Yes, many cases are already discontinued during the investigation stage. The public prosecutor\u2019s office and, in some cases, the courts can end proceedings due to a lack of suspicion or subject to conditions. Early defence can significantly improve the chances of this.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An allegation of corruption is regularly a significant burden for the accused. In addition to criminal-law risks, there may also be professional and financial consequences. Anyone who knows the legal requirements can assess risks more accurately and respond in a targeted way. At our law firm in Stuttgart and Konstanz, we see that there is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":13630,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[73],"class_list":["post-13629","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guide","tag-guide"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Corruption under criminal law: When is it a criminal offense?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Accused of corruption or bribery (Section 299 of the German Criminal Code)? 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